applies
|a-plies|
/əˈplaɪz/
(apply)
to put into action
Etymology
'apply' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'applicare' (classical Latin 'applicare'/'applicō'), where 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'plicare' (from 'plico') meant 'to fold' or 'to join/fix'.
'apply' changed from Old French 'apliier' / 'appliquer' and Middle English forms and eventually became the modern English word 'apply' (with sense extensions from 'attach' to 'use, request, be relevant').
Initially, it meant 'to attach or bring into contact' (literally 'to fold/bring to') but over time it evolved to include the modern senses of 'put on (a substance)', 'make use of', 'be relevant', and 'make a formal request'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'apply' meaning to put or spread a substance onto a surface.
She applies sunscreen every morning.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'apply' meaning to be relevant or have a connection; to pertain.
This rule applies only to students.
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Verb 3
third-person singular present of 'apply' meaning to make a formal request (usually with 'for').
He applies for the scholarship every year.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 23:29